Vaccinations

Prevent Disease & Protect Your Pet’s Health

Pet Vaccination in Bristol

The veterinarians at Chippens Hill Veterinary Hospital consider vaccination a valuable measure in disease prevention. At the same time, we carefully evaluate the choice and schedule of any vaccination so that it optimizes our patients’ health and minimizes the risk of adverse reactions.

Vaccinations are a critical part of preventative care for your pet. Vaccines protect animals from many diseases, some of which – including rabies – are also contagious to people. Every pet is different, so we use the latest science of immunology and recommendations from the American Animal Hospital Association to inform our customized vaccination plans for every patient. Our vets can determine which vaccinations your pet needs and recommend how often they should be administered.

Schedule an appointment for pet vaccination in Bristol by calling Chippens Hill Veterinary Hospital at (860) 583-9271.

Vaccines for Dogs

All dogs in Connecticut must be vaccinated for rabies as required by state law. Additionally, we vaccinate all dogs in our practice for distemper and parvo every three years after their initial vaccine series. We can also measure whether your dog needs a booster by testing their vaccine titers to see whether they have antibodies at a protective level against distemper and parvo.

Because Connecticut has such a high rate of Lyme disease, we consider the Lyme vaccine critical in preventing tick-borne disease. Leptospirosis is another infectious disease that can be lethal but prevented with vaccination. Finally, if your pet goes to the groomer, kennel, dog park, or obedience class, we may recommend kennel cough and canine flu vaccines for your dog.

Vaccines for Cats

All cats in Connecticut must also be vaccinated for rabies as required by law. Cats in our practice are also vaccinated for distemper and upper respiratory diseases every three years after their initial series. Finally, outdoor cats are vaccinated against feline leukemia.

To schedule an appointment, reach out to us at (860) 583-9271.

Core Vaccines vs. Non-Core Vaccines

There are two general groups of vaccines to consider: core and non-core vaccines. Core vaccines protect against diseases that are more serious or potentially fatal. These are diseases found in all areas of North America and more easily transmitted than non-core diseases.

Core vaccines include but are not limited to:

  • Distemper
  • Adenovirus
  • Parvovirus
  • Rabies

Non-core vaccines are ideal for those pets at risk of infection due to lifestyle. Some non-core vaccines include:

  • Kennel cough
  • Canine influenza
  • Lyme disease
  • Leptospirosis

Additional Information

Puppies and kittens usually start their vaccine series between 6 to 8 weeks of age. The specific schedule for pet vaccinations in Quakertown will depend on the type of vaccine and our veterinarian’s recommendations.

The frequency of vaccines will depend on a number of factors, including the type of pet you have. For example, you should make sure that your dog completes the initial series of core vaccines administered at the puppy stage, as well as booster shots at one year of age. Following the one-year boosters, it’s recommended that the distemper, adenovirus, and parvovirus core vaccines be administered once every three years.

Additionally, some vaccination schedules are regulated by local and state law. States and municipalities govern how often rabies boosters are administered. In Pennsylvania, a three-year effective rabies booster is adequate.

Non-core vaccines should be administered whenever the risk of disease is significant. For example, the kennel cough vaccine should be administered once every year or once every six months. If your pet boards a lot or goes to doggie daycare, you may consider vaccinating for kennel cough every six months.

Vaccinations play a crucial role in safeguarding your pet’s health by stimulating their immune system to fight off potential infections. By administering routine vaccinations, we can prevent serious and potentially life-threatening diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and more. Not only do vaccinations protect your pet, but they also contribute to the overall health and well-being of the entire community by preventing the spread of contagious diseases.
At Quakertown Veterinary Clinic, we take a personalized approach to animal vaccinations, tailoring our recommendations to meet the unique needs and lifestyle of each pet. Our team of experienced veterinarians will work closely with you to develop a vaccination schedule that aligns with your pet’s age, breed, health status, and risk factors. We prioritize the safety and comfort of your pet throughout the vaccination process, ensuring a stress-free experience for both you and your furry companion.

Vaccinations can be administered during routine wellness exams. Vaccine reactions are generally nonexistent. However, if your pet does have a reaction which may include swelling or local pain, call your veterinarian immediately. Most reactions will occur soon after the vaccination.

Although some of your pet’s vaccines are administered every three years, this does not mean you should skip your pet’s yearly wellness exam. Routine wellness exams provide the opportunity for your veterinarian to detect and prevent problems at an early stage. Visit our Preventative Care page to learn more.

After evaluating these issues, we can provide you with the information you need to decide on the immunization program that best protects your pet.

To schedule a routine wellness exam for your pet, or to make an appointment for pet vaccinations in Quakertown, contact us at (215) 515-8810 for small animals or (215) 515-6909 for large animals today.

What Does Pet Dentistry Involve?

Proper dental care is important to prevent disease and ensure that your pet is happy, healthy, and comfortable. But many people are unaware of exactly what pet dentistry means. Essentially, pet dentistry involves similar services and treatments as human dentistry.
At Quakertown Veterinary Clinic, we handle all aspects of pet dentistry and dental health, including but not limited to:
  • Oral examinations
  • Teeth cleaning (includes scaling of plaque/tartar and polishing)
  • Tooth extraction
  • Dental x-rays
Proper dental care for your pet also involves at-home care. This includes things like brushing your pet’s teeth (if possible) and providing them with a healthy diet, which may include food that has been specially recommended for improving your pet’s oral health.
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